I had my first child and only daughter when I was 17 and in a very destructive relationship. With the help of my parents, I kept raised my daughter and finished school. I truly believe she saved me from the horrible path I was walking and allowed me to see my mistakes and make a better life for she and I.
I married my husband in 2001 and he adopted our daughter. He said at the time he wanted two children and I said I wanted 3.
Our first son was born in 2004 and I began my life as a stay at home mom. I became pregnant again unexpectedly when he was 14 months old but miscarried. After that we decided to try for another baby. A few months later I became pregnant with baby boy number 2 who was born in 2006.
We went back and forth about if we were done having children or not but while still nursing baby #3 I got pregnant and had baby boy 4 in 2008. We were sure we were done but took no permanent measures since I was breast-feeding, on birth control and had not yet had a period. That is when God decided to bless us with number 5. In 2010, after a job loss, a move and in the midsts of financial uncertainty I gave birth to our 5th son.
We were positive our family was complete with his birth. But again God decided to surprise us. This time with a 17 year old boy from our church, who had been through a lot in life and needed a stable home. So after lots of prayer, he became ours in 2011.
We never set out to have a "large" family. We just kind of decided to let God lead us in all areas. I would never say that people who have a "quiver-full" are wrong nor would I say that families who choose to have just one child are wrong.
I think each couple knows what it right for them. Honestly after baby 2, I thought I would never say, I didn't want anymore, I could not imagine not wanting another baby. But after baby number 5, I knew in my heart I was done. I knew I could not handle anymore, we could not handle anymore.
I have heard lots of people say I don't know how you do it, or I couldn't do what you do. I say to them, I do it just like any other mother, one day at a time. Is it hard to have a lot of children? Yes, but it is also hard having one child.
Big families have challenges and rewards just like any other family. I love having a large family and I hope my children can look back fondly on their childhood.
I would love to hear your stories, and comments and connect with other big families!
